Brian Wilson appears close to signing soon and maybe a club that strikes out in the trade market will find satisfaction in the rare July free-agent market.

Maybe that club will be the Pittsburgh Pirates or San Francisco Giants.

Both were described by sources Monday as serious suitors for Wilson. The Pirates having recently lost closer Jason Grilli have a clear need. The Giants now last in the NL West have little more than a fond history with the bearded closer.

Several clubs watched Wilson work out at UCLA last week and the Diamondbacks and Dodgers have shown interest as well. One scout who has watched the three-time All-Star closer recently said Wilson is “getting close.” One person close to Wilson said the pitcher “feels major-league ready.”

Wilson 31 underwent Tommy John ligament transfer surgery in April 2012. He last threw a major-league pitch on April 12 2012.

He threw for some scouts late in spring training but after the underwhelming performance it was clear that he wasn't close to being ready to help a club. So he regrouped went back to rehabilitation and determined that he would not audition again until he was confident that he was ready to go.